Associate Director - Head of Data Intelligence

We’re making a bold shift, because staying the same isn’t an option. Consumer Intelligence is Arla’s reimagined Insights & Analytics function built to shape the future of dairy by putting real consumer understanding at the heart of everything we do. As the world around us changes fast, we’re stepping up with new capabilities, deeper expertise, and a sharper focus on impact. We’re not just here to answer questions, we’re here to challenge, to inspire, and to make sure the voice of the consumer drives the decisions that matter most in our business.

Role Overview

As the Head of Data Intelligence, you will lead and shape a team of advanced analytics experts, responsible for turning complex data into clear strategic action. You’ll oversee our Marketing Mix Modelling, Forecasting, Data Storytelling  and AI and automation capabilities. Acting as the core engines that power smarter marketing investments, future-focused commercial planning, and impactful narratives.

This is more than a technical role. It’s a leadership role at the crossroads of data, creativity, and commercial value. You’ll shape how data is used at Arla, not just to explain what happened, but to predict what’s next and influence what we do. You are not only a data expert. You are a translator, a connector, and a strategic driver. Ensuring we can layer the right data to drive smarter decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead a High-Impact, Future-Focused Team

• Build, guide, and inspire a cross-functional team of data scientists, forecasters, and data storytellers.

• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and practical application.

• Champion the development of data-driven narratives that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences.

  
  

Drive Smarter, Sharper Decisions with Data

• Oversee our global Marketing Mix Modelling approach, ensuring that we optimize spend and unlock efficiencies that fuel growth.

• Lead forecasting efforts across key categories and markets, building robust predictive capabilities aligned to business strategy.

• Elevate data storytelling as a strategic capability — transforming analysis into influence, and dashboards into direction.

  
  

Integrate Analytics into the Heart of Strategy

• Collaborate closely to embed data into brand-building, innovation, and category planning.

• Ensure that analytics are proactive, business-led, and decision-focused not siloed or reactive.

• Translate complexity into clarity. Make the numbers meaningful.

  
  

Act as a Strategic Connector

• Build strong, trust-based partnerships across global and local teams.

• Promote a shared understanding of how data and analytics drive brand and business success.

• Ensure your team’s work lands with impact — influencing investment choices, shaping consumer strategies, and driving tangible outcomes.

  
  

What Will Make You Successful

• 10+ years of experience in advanced analytics, forecasting, or marketing mix modelling, preferably in FMCG or global CPG environments.

• Commercial Fluency: You understand how data connects to business, and can speak both languages.

• Modern Data Leadership: You’re as comfortable discussing machine learning as you are explaining what matters to a marketer.

• Impact-Led Storytelling: You know how to make data stick. You bring numbers to life through powerful storytelling.

• People Leadership: You’ve built, led, and developed high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.

• Collaboration & Influence: You work brilliantly across functions, building influence and alignment from the C-suite to the execution layer.

• Curious & Courageous: You challenge conventional thinking, experiment with new approaches, and always push for better.

  
  

Why This Role Matters

In today’s fast-moving world, the brands that win are those that can act on what’s next — not just what’s now. This role ensures we don’t just have data — we have foresight. It ensures that data doesn’t just live in silos — it lives in every strategic decision.

You’ll be the one ensuring Arla turns intelligence into action, every single day.